THE MESSENGER
ALSACE LUTHERAN CHURCH
E-mail: alsacelutheran@verizon.net
Web: www.alsacelutheranchurch.org
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/alsacelutheran
2201 Kutztown Road, Reading, PA 19605
Phone: 610-929-8727
Fax: 610-929-5397
Morning Worship: 8:15 & 10:45 a.m.
8:15 Service Broadcast live over 1340AM
Streamed on the Internet at www.iheart.com
Sunday School for all ages – 9:30 a.m.
“Church on the Hill, Standing on the Word”
April 2019
E -nvision His love deeply
A -ccept His love willingly
S -eek His love continually
T -rust His love implicitly
E -mbrace His love whole-heartedly
R -eturn His love generously
-Unknown
“Two men in dazzling clothes suddenly appeared and said to the women,
“Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen!”
(Luke 24:4-5)
The month of April turns our focus to Easter, the crown of all Christian holy-days! This year, Easter Sunday is April 21, one of the latest dates that Easter is celebrated. The date of Easter varies from year to year, based on a formula that goes way back to the beginning of the church.
In 325 A.D., Constantine, emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, convened the Council of Nicea.
Among the business before the council was to establish a uniform date for Easter. Out of the discussion and debate came the “Easter Rule,” setting Easter on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox. As is often the case with church councils, the decision was not unanimous. The Eastern bishops wanted to schedule Easter in conjunction with the Jewish Festival of Passover since, after all, Jesus went to Jerusalem, in the first place, to celebrate Passover. The Western bishops preferred a date corresponding with the beginning of spring, because that was the time already established for a lot of pagan celebrations, and they figured to capitalize on the momentum. This is why, to this day, we have such things as the Easter Bunny and colored eggs associated with Easter. This disagreement, as well as other issues, led to an eventual split in the Christian Church. To this day, we, who are descendants of the Western line of Christiandom, use a different calendar than the Eastern Orthodox churches. Sometimes our celebration of Easter falls on the same day, and sometimes it varies by as much as five weeks!
In 2019, the spring equinox falls on March 20, and the full moon also is March 20. In following the formula, why isn’t Easter than on March 24? As it turns out, to make things a little simpler for the Christian Church, the spring equinox was determined to always be March 21. (In reality, the equinox can happen on March 19, 20, or 21.) Since the first full moon after March 21 doesn’t occur until April 19 this year, Easter will be celebrated on April 21. Incidentally, Orthodox Easter will be celebrated just a week later, on April 28, because Passover ends on April 27.
It doesn’t really matter when we observe Easter Sunday. Every Sunday in the Christian church is a
“little Easter” (yes, even during the Lenten season; that is why the Sundays are not counted in the 40 days of Lent). What really matters is that we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus and recall everything that great day brings us: life out of death; assurance of the forgiveness of sins; and an eternal life with our Risen Lord!
Let us always proclaim, with great joy and gusto: “The Lord is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia! Amen!
With Easter Joy,
Pastor Richard A. Nelson
Funeral
Russel Yoder
CHURCH STAFF
Rev. Richard A. Nelson, Pastor
Rev. Mark E. Brophy, Pastor Emeritus
Mr. David Rutt, Music Director
Mrs. Nina Rowley, Organist
Miss Cynthia Speicher, Secretary
Mr. William Reber, Jr., Sexton
CHURCH OFFICERS
Mrs. Sherri Mengel, Sunday School Superintendent
Mrs. Barbara Coller, Council Secretary
Ms. Carol Kunsman, Envelope Secretary
Mr. D. Richard Wieder, Treasurer
COUNCIL MEMBERS/TERM EXPIRES
John Funk End of 2020
Kimberly Grinage – President End of 2019
Peggy Harter End of 2020
Jeffrey Klinger End of 2019
Payton Mentzer End of 2020
Donald Moll End of 2021
Mary Pachuilo End of 2019
Evelyn Sheetz End of 2021
Gerald Speicher – Vice President End of 2021
WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Every Sunday at 8:15 & 10:45 a.m.
(The liturgical color for each Sunday is listed in parenthesis)
March 31 (purple) – 4th Sunday in Lent; Guest preacher – Don Kerns
April 3 (Wednesday) – Lenten Study, 1:30 & 7:00 p.m.
April 7 (purple) – 5th Sunday in Lent
April 10 (Wednesday) – Lenten Study, 1:30 & 7:00 p.m.
April 14 (purple) – Palm Sunday; Sunday of the Passion
April 17 (purple) – Holy Wednesday, Sacrament of Holy Communion, 1:00 p.m. Only!
April 18 (purple) – Maundy Thursday, Sacrament of Holy Communion, 7:00 p.m.
April 19 (black) – Good Friday Community Service, 1:00 p.m. with Holy Communion1
Good Friday Tenebrae Service, 7:00 p.m.
April 21 (white/gold) – Easter Day, Sacrament of Holy Communion
April 28 (white) – The 2nd Sunday of Easter
May 5 (white) – The 3rd Sunday of Easter, Sacrament of Holy Communion
2:00 p.m. Abbreviated Worship with Holy Communion
May 12 (white) – 4th Sunday of Easter, Mother’s Day
Sharing the Ministry of Alsace
Be sure to tell others about the ministry of Alsace:
It is a welcoming and friendly congregation. There is always inspiration and hope, not to mention good food! The people of Alsace have a sense of purpose and mission of serving others. Alsace centers its congregational life on the grace of God, which is for all people. Start spreading the news; that is, the “Good News” of God’s love and the ministry and mission of Alsace.
Church Camp 2019
August 4 – 9, 2019
Camp Swatara, Bethel, PA
Camp is for all children/youth age 6 through 18 years old
2019 Theme: “Soar – Navigating God’s Grace”
“Those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles.”
(Isaiah 40:31)
Registration Forms are available at the church!
Deadline to register is June 30
A $35 Deposit reserves your spot!
Cost is $175 per person, which includes lodging, food, crafts, & camp shirt
Church Camp, cont.
(Financial assistance is available – speak to Pastor Nelson)
No one should miss out on camp because of money!
21st Annual Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 13, 2019, 12 Noon Alsace Ball Field
For all children age 0 through 4th grade
Sponsored by the Youth Group
Everyone Welcome!
55th Annual Community Good Friday Service
Good Friday, April 19, 2019 at 1:00 p.m.
Preaching: Pastor Paul Clark
Former Chaplain at Albright College, and
Former Visitation Pastor at Alsace Lutheran Church
Special Music by the Greater Reading Encore Chorale
Sacrament of Holy Communion
Hearing Devices
Wireless hearing devices are available to those who need or desire them for our worship services.
They may be obtained by seeing Lee Strause on a Sunday morning.
Hospital Admissions
Please inform the church office when a member is hospitalized or admitted to a health care facility, including room numbers. Due to the HIPPA laws, information about hospital and health
care facility admissions is limited and often restricted. Without your help, we cannot track and follow up with visits and prayers.
How to Become a Member of Alsace Lutheran Church
Speak to Pastor Nelson if you are interested in membership, or know someone who might be!
If you are already a member of a Lutheran Church –
Simply call the church office (610-929-8727), give the secretary the name of your previous church, and we will request a Letter of Transfer.
If you are a member of another Christian Church –
Simply contact the Pastor, and you will be invited to a New Member class, after which you will join Alsace by Affirmation of Faith.
2019 Lenten Schedule
Mid-Week Lenten Studies will be offered at 1:30 & 7:00 p.m. on the Wednesdays in Lent. All will be held in the Bertha Weber Room. Dates are April 3, 10.
Holy Wednesday: April 17, one worship with Holy Communion at 1:00 p.m.
Maundy Thursday: April 18, worship with Holy Communion at 7:00 p.m.
Good Friday: April 19, Community Service at 1:00 p.m. with Holy Communion, and
Service of Tenebrae at 7:00 p.m.
Muhlenberg Churches Food Pantry
In addition to the items listed below, the Pantry is also looking for plastic grocery bags for the distribution. Bags can be put in the same box with the other items. Donations of the following items are most needed, as these items are not readily available from the Food Bank: toilet paper; paper towels; bath soap; laundry detergent; fabric softener; Kleenex; shampoo; toothpaste. Bring any donations to church and place them in the box marked “Muhlenberg Churches Food Pantry.”
Thank you for your continued support of the MCFP!
The MCFP is looking for some new volunteers who can help with the distribution, which is the third Thursday of every month. Help is especially needed from 3:30 – 6:00 p.m. to help the clients bring their food to their cars. For more information or to volunteer, please speak to Pastor Nelson.
Reading Fightin’ Phils
The Youth Group is selling tickets for the Faith & Family Night baseball game on Thursday, June 13 at 7:10 p.m. The cost is $7 per person for a seat in the green section of the grandstand. Deadline to sign up and pay for the tickets is Sunday, May 12. Checks should be made payable to Alsace Youth Group.
2019 Sacrament of Holy Communion Schedule
The Sacrament of Holy Communion will be offered on the following Sundays and Holidays (all times are 8:15 and 10:45, unless otherwise noted):
April 17 (Holy Wednesday) at 1:00 p.m. only!; April 18 (Maundy Thursday) at 7:00 p.m.;
April 19 (Good Friday) at 1:00 p.m. only!; April 21 (Easter); May 5 (8:15 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 2:00 p.m.); June 9 (Day of Pentecost & Confirmation); August 4; September 1; October 6 (8:15 a.m., 10:45 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.); November 3; December 1
Notes: There will be no Communion service in July; There will only be one Holy Communion
Service on Holy Wednesday, April 17, at 1:00 p.m. (no service at 7:00 on Holy Wed.); 2:00 p.m. Communion Services will be held on May 5 and October 6 in the chapel.
Senior Club
Tuesday, April 9 – Trip to Dutch Apple to see Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, with Luncheon Buffet. Leave at 10:15 a.m., Return approximately 5:30 p.m.
Senior Club, cont.
Payment ($95 per person) for the trip on Tuesday, June 18, to Spirit of Philadelphia Luncheon Cruise and bus tour of the “Murals of Philadelphia,” is due to Pat Coller no later than April 23.
If you have any questions about membership, please contact Gerald Speicher at 610-929-9623.
If you want to sign up for any trips or have questions about any trips, please contact Pat Coller at 610-929-8275 or Michelle Shunk at 424-333-5311.
Gift certificates can be purchased throughout the year from Irene Stoudt. You may call her at 610-929-8275.
Supper Club
Same rules as before: One check, no coupons and please do not fill out your check until you arrive at the restaurant. Wednesday, May 1 – Ganly’s Pub
Deadline to sign up is Sunday, April 21
Wednesday, June 5 – Country Fare, Myerstown
Wednesday, July 3 – Blind Hartman’s
Wednesday, July 31 – Mimmo’s
(Church Camp on Wednesday, August 7)
Wednesday, September 4 – Schmeck’s Villa
Wednesday, October 2 – Fiore’s
Wednesday, November 6 – Applebee’s, 5th Street Highway
Wednesday, December 4 – Crossroads
Wednesday Bible Study
Resumes April 24 at 1:30 p.m.
Join us as we continue the study, “Getting to the Heart of God’s Story.”
COMMUNITY
Benefit Concert for Abilities in Motion Youth Programs
Tribute Concert by Jeff Krick, Jr., Elvis Tribute Performer
Saturday, April 13 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. (doors open at 5:30)
Advance tickets – $15/at the door – $20
Tickets may be purchased at AIM’s Reading Office, 210 N 5th Street or
Contact Jaclyn Nagle at 610-376-0010, ext. 104
Reading High School
The following items are for the Reading High School and the Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program (ECYEH). Their goal is to provide a resource room that will be available to students. This room will offer provisions to fulfill their basic needs such as food, hygiene products and school supplies. If you are able to donate any of the following items, please place them in the Chapel foyer. Thank you!
Hygiene Products: shampoo/conditioner; deodorant; toothbrush and toothpaste; liquid bath soap;
feminine hygiene products; hairbrushes; make-up
School Supplies: binders and folders; pens and pencils; spiral ring notebooks; backpacks
Baby Supplies: baby food; formula; diapers; wipes; baby clothes
Food: granola bars; Nutra grain bars; non-perishables; bottled water; ready to eat food; holiday meals
Miscellaneous: towels; clothing detergent; camping mats; pillows; Gift Cards for grocery stores, clothing stores and fast food; BARTA bus passes; barber shop; Goodwill gift cards for interview clothing; monetary donations made payable to RHS Knight Closet.
St. John’s Gernant’s Church, 13 Gernant’s Church Road, Leesport
Gift Baskets/Meat Trays Bingo in Memorial Hall
Sunday, April 14 – Doors open at 12:30; Early Bird Specials at 1:15; Program Bingo at 1:30
Advance tickets – $20/at the door – $25 (ticket price includes a hot dog & drink)
No outside food or beverages allowed
For more information or to order tickets, please call Sam Reimert at 484-269-4205
YOUTH PAGE
Birthdays
Samantha Stoudt – 4/1
Dylan Kelly – 4/2
Gabrielle Daubenspeck – 4/10
Alana Alexander – 4/13
Taylor Mentzer – 4/18
Ally Fair – 4/26
Haley Daubenspeck – 4/29
Ryan Selulski – 4/29
Jackson Wagner – 4/30
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Remember to sign up for all events on the sheets posted on the bulletin board outside the church office, or by responding to the Facebook Page.
NOTE: The deposit of $50 is due for the Shore Trip (June 20-23) on April 7! Don’t miss out!
April 7 – Lunch, Stuff Eggs and Pack Up “Blessing Bags”
After lunch, we will stuff the eggs for the Egg Hunt, and pack up the “Blessing Bags” for
the Opportunity House. The more help, the quicker it goes!
April 13 – Easter Egg Hunt
Report to the church by 10:30 a.m.
Lunch will be at “The Works”
Upcoming Dates & Events – Mark your calendars and plan to attend!
- Saturday, May 11 – Trip and Hike at Bushkill Falls
- Saturday, May 25 – Yard Sale
- Saturday, June 1 – Breakfast at Shady Maple, Shopping for Quilt
- Thurs.-Sun., June 20-23 – Shore Trip to Ocean City, NJ
- Fri., Sat., Sun., July 12-15 – Peach Festival
- Sun.-Fri., August 4-9 – Church Camp
- Saturday, August 24 – Pool Party & Picnic at Woodcrest Retreat
APRIL BIRTHDAYS
April 1 – Linda Buckley, Jean Riegel, Lucille Stoudt
April 2 – Jayden Reed, Evan Seiz, Meadow Webb
April 3 – Gloria Lombardo, Pamela Schearer, Elmer Wert
April 4 – Mae Kauffman
April 5 – Pastor Kerns
April 6 – Patrick Coller, William Coughlin
April 8 – Shirley Stricker
April 10 – John Bixler, Gabrielle Daubenspeck
April 11 – Carson Kenderdine
April 12 – Tyler Latshaw
April 13 – Alana Alexander, Toby Deysher
April 14 – Sherry Jacobs
April 15 – Arthur Arbogast, Donald Fegley, Ralph Janke, Evelyn Sheetz
April 16 – Linda Santiago
April 17 – Timothy Latshaw, Lee Strause
April 18 – Louis Ryder, Joel Seibert
April 19 – Matthew Breisch
April 20 – Anna Miller
April 21 – Joan Johnson
April 23 – Matthew Adamitis, Angel Alvarez, Mackenzie Mentzer
April 24 – Roger Endy, Pamela Stauffer
April 25 – Linda Illig, Amy Sharp
April 26 – Emmalyn Artim, Jeffrey Cox
April 27 – Ralph Kauffman, Sharen Yeager
April 28 – Noah Gehret
April 29 – Haley Daubenspeck, Irene Davis, Elijah Hartman, Robert Janke, Ann Miller,
Logan Shaffer, Karla Tryon
April 30 – Glenn Dowd, Marie Gehret, Rayson Hoffa
APRIL ACTIVITIES
Tuesday, April 2 9:00 a.m. – Senior Club Board Meeting
10:00 a.m. – Men’s Choir
10:30 a.m. – Senior Choir
7:00 p.m. – Alsace Ringers
8:15 p.m. – Reunion Choir
Wednesday, April 3 1:30 & 7:00 p.m. – Lenten Studies
APRIL ACTIVITIES, cont.
Thursday, April 4 6:00 – Supper Club at Knight & Day
Sunday, April 7 8:15 & 10:45 a.m. – Worship
9:00 a.m. – Junior Choir
9:30 a.m. – Sunday School
12:00 p.m. – Youth Group Lunch & Activity
6:00 p.m. – Youth Choir
Tuesday, April 9 10:15 a.m. – Senior Club Trip
7:00 p.m. – Church Council Meeting
7:00 p.m. – Alsace Ringers
8:15 p.m. – Reunion Choir
Wednesday, April 10 1:30 & 7:00 p.m. – Lenten Studies
Saturday, April 13 10:30 a.m. – Youth set up for Egg Hunt
12:00 p.m. – Community Egg Hunt
Sunday, April 14 8:15 & 10:45 a.m. – Worship
9:30 a.m. – Sunday School
Tuesday, April 16 10:00 a.m. – Men’s Choir
10:30 a.m. – Senior Choir
7:00 p.m. – Alsace Ringers
8:15 p.m. – Reunion Choir
Wednesday, April 17 1:00 p.m. – Holy Wednesday Communion
Thursday, April 18 7:00 p.m. – Maundy Thursday Communion
Friday, April 19 1:00 p.m. – Good Friday Community/Communion Service
7:00 p.m. – Good Friday Tenebrae Service
Sunday, April 21 8:15 & 10:45 a.m. – Worship
9:30 a.m. – Sunday School
Monday, April 22 Office Closed
Messenger Article Deadline
APRIL ACTIVITIES, cont.
Tuesday, April 23 10:00 a.m. – Men’s Choir
10:30 a.m. – Senior Choir
7:00 p.m. – Alsace Ringers
8:15 p.m. – Reunion Choir
Wednesday, April 24 1:30 p.m. – Bible Study
Sunday, April 28 8:15 & 10:45 a.m. – Worship
9:00 a.m. – Junior Choir
9:30 a.m. – Sunday School and Confirmation
6:00 p.m. – Youth Choir
Tuesday, April 30 8:00 a.m. – Messenger Mailers
10:00 a.m. – Men’s Choir
10:30 a.m. – Senior Choir
7:00 p.m. – Alsace Ringers
8:15 p.m. – Reunion Choir
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